Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a method to produce and extract oils from a type of common microalgae, which are edible and have superior properties as those found in palm oil. The newly discovered method would serve as a healthier and greener alternative to palm oil.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Applied Phycology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study from St John's College, University of Cambridge suggests that robots can help produce solar fuels, accelerating the world's transition to green renewables. The 'cyber-leaf' concept uses AI and robots to create sustainable syngas, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature Reviews Materials·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 17, 2022
Researchers discovered that redwood trees have two functionally distinct leaves: one type specializes in converting sunlight into sugar through photosynthesis, while the other absorbs water. This adaptation allows the world's tallest trees to survive in a range of conditions, from wet forests to dry environments.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 16, 2022
Researchers studied ancient Antarctic ice cores to understand past atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. They found a strong correlation between carbon fertilization and increased biological production, which dampens global warming acceleration during glacial periods.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience·DateMar 10, 2022
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed tiny 'skyscrapers' for bacteria to thrive in, increasing energy extraction from sunlight by over an order of magnitude. This approach suggests that 'biohybrid' solar energy sources could be a key component in the zero-carbon energy mix.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
A new molecular study of grasses reveals a clear picture of their evolutionary relationships, shedding light on the evolution of C4 photosynthesis involved in heat and drought tolerance. The research provides evidence that this type of photosynthesis evolved independently multiple times within different grass lineages.
SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a hybrid device that combines living organisms with bio batteries to produce stored energy under light conditions. The technology, known as microbial electro photosynthesis, has the potential to power a wide range of products, including transportation fuels and cosmetics.
SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2022
The RIPE team has developed a toolkit for synthetic biology to test gene promoters before implementing them in long-term experiments. This allows researchers to save time and money by identifying the most effective promoters, which can improve photosynthesis and crop yields.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022
A team of researchers found that many marine phytoplankton are voracious predators, consuming bacteria like Prochlorococcus and other primary production. This discovery reveals the complexity of ocean ecosystems and challenges traditional views of phytoplankton as solely photosynthetic organisms.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Researchers discovered that Rubisco's activity drops more rapidly in cowpea leaves when they go into the shade, resulting in missed opportunities to convert sunlight into sugars. This imperfection could be shared with other crops and may lead to targeted breeding for improved productivity.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022
The study found that efficient metabolic processes and recycling of components used by the enzyme RuBisCO significantly speed up photosynthesis in Chlorella ohadii. This discovery could lead to improving photosynthesis efficiency in other plants, developing new engineering tools for sustainable food production.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 19, 2022
In a new study, desert shrubs in the Southwest have increased their water use efficiency at unprecedented rates to survive a decades-long megadrought. The study found that despite this heroic increase, shrubs may not be adapting quickly enough to long-term drying trends in the West.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2021
A new device has been developed that converts sunlight into two promising sources of renewable fuels – ethylene and hydrogen. The researchers found that by optimizing the working conditions for cuprous oxide, a promising artificial photosynthesis material, they can create a more stable system.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers used room-temperature crystallography to study photosynthetic bacteria's proteins, discovering they are 'remarkably robust' and more efficient than previously thought. The study sheds new insight into the mechanism of electron transfer early in photosynthesis.
SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021
A recent study found that urban vegetation has a stronger ability to withstand drought compared to rural areas. The researchers attribute this enhanced drought resistance to increased temperature and CO2 concentration, as well as reduced ozone levels in urban environments.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2021
Scientists found a 12% increase in global photosynthesis from 1982 to 2020, capturing 14 petagrams of additional carbon removed from the atmosphere each year. While this helps slow climate change, it's not enough to stop it, according to Berkeley Lab researchers.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 2021
Researchers used mathematical models to reconstruct evolutionary history of photosymbiosis in Scleractinia, identifying groups where association is stable and others that may be more flexible. The study found that certain lineages are more likely to retain the reef-building trait in a changing climate.
SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 30, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A team of researchers at the University of Copenhagen has identified a group of proteins, called CURT1, that control the development of green leaves in plants. This discovery sheds new light on photosynthesis, which is essential for life on Earth and could lead to more efficient CO2 absorption.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2021
A team of MIT researchers has created a biohybrid photocatalyst that can mimic photosynthesis, improving the yield of chemical reactions for generating pharmaceuticals. The new catalyst uses a light-harvesting protein to capture energy from red light and transfer it to a metal-containing catalyst.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalChem·DateNov 15, 2021
Researchers compared wild rice species to domesticated rice to understand differences in photosynthetic capabilities. They found that wild rice has faster photosynthetic induction but domesticated rice quickly closes its stomata, reducing water loss.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2021
A recent study found that C4 bioenergy grass species outperform C3 species in assimilating carbon during fluctuating light conditions. This discovery could lead to increased productivity and reduced dependence on fossil fuels through targeted plant breeding programs.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalGCB Bioenergy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021
A research team led by Professor Luca Razzari at INRS has successfully generated coherent, intense visible light pulses with femtosecond duration using a simplified setup. This innovation opens up new possibilities for studying various phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology.
SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 29, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
German scientists developed a method to supply oxygen to tadpole brains using photosynthesizing algae injected into their bloodstream. This approach effectively revived neurons in oxygen-deprived tadpoles, showing promise for new therapies for conditions such as stroke and high-altitude environments.
SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021
Researchers found that regular plants have distinct metabolic differences from CAM photosynthesis-adapted species, which could hinder efforts to bioengineer drought tolerance in crops. Understanding these differences is crucial for future research and potential crop improvement.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNew Phytologist·DateOct 12, 2021
A new study by MIT scientists uses a novel gene-analyzing technique to estimate that oxygenic photosynthesis first originated around 2.9 billion years ago. This evolutionary innovation allowed for the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere and oceans, paving the way for life on Earth.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 28, 2021
Research reveals that stronger lettuce stems are a key part of disease resistance against Sclerotinia spp., the causative agent of lettuce drop. The study found that wild lettuce species exhibit increased stem strength and reduced symptom development, while modern commercial cultivars are susceptible to rapid basal stem rot.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a synthetic diiron-containing porphyrin that can efficiently catalyze the conversion of radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy. This breakthrough has potential applications in creating non-fossil-based fuels and electrochemical cells for renewable energy storage.
SourceArizona State University·JournalChemElectroChem·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021
Trees continue to form reserves even during long periods of starvation, contrary to the assumption that they only form when photosynthetic conditions are favorable. As CO2 starvation progresses, trees stabilize their reserve levels and divert resources to storage, allowing them to survive climate extremes.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021
Researchers developed a dynamic photosynthesis model that simulated a 10-20% yield increase by improving crop leaves' ability to adjust to fluctuating light. The model identified two proteins essential for the adjustment, which could lead to significant productivity gains.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateAug 19, 2021
Korean researchers have developed a nanometer-sized branch-shaped tungsten-silver catalyst that can acquire carbon monoxide in high yields from the electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion system. The catalyst exhibited a high sunlight-to-compound conversion efficiency of 12.1% when combined with commercialized silicon solar cells.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateAug 19, 2021
Chlorophyll fluorescence tracks photosynthesis rate, providing an 'optical window' for monitoring plant health. Recent advances enable estimation and imaging of SIF at ecosystem scales, paving the way for applications in precision agriculture and ecology.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 18, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers at Cornell University have made a significant breakthrough in improving crop yields by enhancing photosynthesis. By removing the enzyme carbonic anhydrase from chloroplasts, scientists have found that plants can still undergo photosynthesis without compromising their growth, paving the way for more efficient food production.
SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2021
Researchers elucidated the mechanism by which a membrane remodeling protein, VIPP1, protects thylakoid membrane integrity. The study reveals that VIPP1 creates a basketlike structure with hydrophobic surfaces that bind to the membrane and remodel it.
Floods affect plant photosynthesis nearly as often as droughts, with extreme wet events impacting soil carbon storage. The study emphasizes the need to rethink flood impacts on vegetation dynamics and soil carbon storage in a warming world.
SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 30, 2021
Researchers discover that proteins PGRL1 and PGRL2 regulate PGR5's function in photosynthesis. PGRL2 is a supervisor protein that works with PGRL1 to activate PGR5, while its absence causes PGR5 to become hyperactive and destructive.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2021
A Rutgers-led study explores the evolution of photosynthesis, a process critical for plant growth. The research reveals that primary plastid endosymbiosis, a key step in photosynthesis, is rare due to its complex process.
SourceRutgers University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJun 28, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A new computer model has been created to understand plant energy storage, with lab experiments confirming its accuracy. The findings could improve crop resilience in challenging environments and help develop new plants for climate change.
SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 28, 2021
Researchers have developed PSII-based biomimetic assemblies to improve photosynthetic activity, leveraging synthetic luminescent materials to boost ATP synthesis. The system combines PSII with artificial structures to optimize light absorption and overcome stability limitations.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 24, 2021
A new analysis of exoplanets reveals that Earth-like conditions for oxygen-based photosynthesis are much rarer than thought. Only a handful of potentially habitable planets have the necessary energy for complex biospheres to develop, with Kepler-442b being one exception.
SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 23, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers at Purdue University are working on mimicking the process of photosynthesis to harness sunlight directly into usable energy. The goal is to create a clean and efficient fuel source that could replace traditional forms of renewable energy like wind power and solar panels.
SourcePurdue University·JournalChem Catalysis·DateJun 15, 2021
Researchers at the University of Liverpool developed a method to control thylakoid membrane formation and used proteomics and microscopic imaging to characterise its stepwise maturation process. The study finds that cyanobacterial thylakoids are dynamic biological systems that can adapt rapidly to environmental changes.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2021
Researchers have developed a novel nano-photosynthetic system using blue-green algae and nanoparticles to treat stroke patients. The approach reduces neuronal damage and improves motor function in mice with blocked cerebral arteries, showing promise for human clinical trials.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 19, 2021
Researchers have discovered a new species of cyanobacteria, Anthocerotibacter panamensis, which can help study the dawn of oxygenic photosynthesis. The species lacks thylakoids and has unique carotenoid biosynthesis pathways, providing insights into the evolution of photosynthesis.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 14, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Ion transporters in chloroplasts play a crucial role in regulating gene expression, influencing the efficiency of photosynthesis. This discovery has significant implications for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency under unfavorable environmental conditions.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 14, 2021
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have discovered a self-improving property in Si/GaN that enables it to become more efficient and stable as an artificial photosynthesis device. The material, made of silicon and gallium nitride, can harness sunlight into carbon-free hydrogen with twice the efficiency and stability of previous technologies.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 5, 2021
Researchers have developed a new extraction method to isolate monomeric photosystem I (PSI), revealing its atomic structure and providing insights into the energy transfer process. The discovery may enable uphill energy transfer and improve our understanding of photosynthesis.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 18, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Scientists are opening up photosynthesis to nanoscale investigation using a novel approach that combines hybrid membranes with advanced microscopy techniques. This research aims to reveal the behavior of individual protein molecules and gain a deeper understanding of how proteins interact to convert sunlight into chemical energy.
Researchers have identified suberin as a crucial molecule in gas-tight compartments of C4 plants, enabling efficient CO2 fixation. The discovery has significant implications for breeding more resilient and productive crops, such as sugarcane, sorghum, and maize.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 1, 2021
Researchers found mistletoes can increase photosynthesis to share resources with their hosts, reducing harm to the tree. This strategy allows them to coexist and even benefit birds and pollinators.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 23, 2021
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a model to accurately calculate GPP in bioenergy crops using satellite data. The SLOPE GPP product explains 85% of spatial and temporal variations in GPP, overcoming previous inefficiencies in image-based, time-based, and latency precision.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateFeb 16, 2021
A team of researchers measured the importance of CO2 obstacles in plant cells to improve crop productivity. The study highlights promising targets, including cell wall thickness, and found that variables like chloroplast area are less relevant.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis·JournalInterface Focus·DateFeb 11, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A global study found that carbon dioxide levels have increased tree photosynthesis efficiency by 40% between 1901 and 2015. The increase is primarily driven by the rise in atmospheric CO2, with additional analysis suggesting enhanced photosynthesis as a key factor.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021
Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis are developing crop plants with improved photosynthesis, aiming to increase Australian cereal crop production and address climate change. The center has identified promising germplasm lines and published over 300 scientific papers on the topic.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis·DateFeb 2, 2021
A new study finds that Earth's temperature tipping point for carbon uptake is already being exceeded in nature, with potential catastrophic consequences. If emissions continue unchecked, up to half the terrestrial biosphere may experience temperatures beyond this productivity threshold by mid-century.
SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 13, 2021
The study suggests that up to half of land ecosystems could reach a tipping point where they release more carbon than they absorb by 2100 under a business-as-usual emissions scenario. Biomes with high carbon storage, such as rainforests and Taiga forests, may lose over 45% of their carbon sink capabilities by midcentury.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 13, 2021
Researchers found significant variation in flag leaf ability to adjust to fluctuating light, with some varieties producing carbohydrates nearly twice as fast as others. This discovery could lead to improved water-use efficiency and more resilient crops.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateDec 29, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers have developed a method to quickly screen crops by analyzing the light signal emitted during photosynthesis, known as Solar Induced Fluorescence (SIF). This signal provides critical insights into photosynthesis, which could lead to improving crop yields and feeding humanity.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers at ETH Zurich identified a self-regulating mechanism that limits the productive period of trees, leading to earlier leaf fall. Global warming previously expected to delay senescence, but photosynthesis in spring and summer actually accelerates it.
A team of scientists has built tiny droplet-based microbial factories that produce hydrogen instead of oxygen when exposed to daylight in air. This discovery could provide an important step forward towards photobiological green energy development under natural aerobic conditions.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2020
Research finds that nanosilver disturbs the metabolism of algae, making their membranes more permeable and reducing photosynthesis. This can have significant impacts on the aquatic food chain and oxygen production. The study uses metabolomics to detect early changes induced by nanoparticles.
SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 25, 2020